Robert E. "Bob" Ketchum

Robert “Bob” Eugene Ketchum was born on August 17, 1927 in Independence, Missouri. He departed this life peacefully on January 8, 2025 in Forsyth, Missouri at the age of 97. 

Bob joined the Navy right out of high school and served time during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He would joke how the war had to come to an end when they saw him coming. 

He married Patricia Rouse in 1951; they had 2 children together, Pamela “Pam” Brown and David Ketchum. Later he was united in marriage to Virginia Lee Doherty on September 5, 1970; they were happily married until she passed on November 23, 2018.

Besides his beloved parents; father George Watson Ketchum and mother Mary Irene Ketchum, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Frank, Walter, and Margaret Oesch. Also his wife Virginia, his sons Daniel Ketchum and Mike Doherty, and grandson Greg Brown. 

Robert dedicated his life to his family, community, and hobbies. He had two decades long careers in his hometown of Harrisonville, Missouri; a dependable rural mail carrier, and a savvy real estate agent. He was a member of the Harrisonville United Methodist Church. 

He is survived by 2 sons, David Ketchum and wife Charlotte, Patrick "Pat" Doherty and wife Janice. 4 daughters, Pamela "Pam" Brown, Joie Foster, Nancy Westhoff and husband Bernie, and Joan Doherty. Bob enjoyed being a grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by many more relatives and friends whom he loved and cherished.

Bob was always a loyal sports fan to his hometown Kansas City teams. A true Kansas City Royals fan, he proudly stood by his team every season, celebrating their victories and enduring their losses with equal devotion. He could list the KC Royals roster and knew their positions. Some of his all-time favorite Royals were Amos Otis, Brett Saberhagen, and Paul Splittorff to name a few. When he played baseball he loved being at the heart of the game and calling the pitches while harassing the batters as the catcher. His older brother, Frank, was the catcher as well. Bob coached his son, David as a catcher and expected his grandson, Greg to play the position of catcher as well. In his younger years, Robert was an avid bowler and a talented pool player. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in his name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Send in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701. 

Bob will be deeply missed for many reasons, maybe none more than his sense of humor. His jokes and infectious laughter while telling them would put a smile on anyone’s face. May he fly high and keep heaven in hysterics.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri. 

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.